Terrorists Attack IDF Commander North of Jerusalem

Ambush targets Binyamin Division Commander with barrage of rocks, to which he fires back and kills one terrorist.

Koby Finkler, 03/07/15 07:59 | updated: 10:45

Car ambushed by terrorists

IDF Spokesman's Office

Terrorists ambushed IDF forces in the northern Jerusalem neighborhood of Qalandiya early Friday morning, pelting them with rocks. The attack targeted the car of Binyamin Division Commander Col. Yisrael Shomer.

Shomer returned fire and killed one of the terrorists, who was identified as Mohammed Kosba, 17. There were no injuries to IDF forces in the exchange.

The IDF has backed up Shomer for his actions, noting that the photographic evidence showing the extensive damage to his vehicle proves the impending danger that necessitated his response.

Shortly afterwards at the Qalandiya Checkpoint a female soldier was lightly wounded by an Arab assailant who hurled a glass bottle at her. She was treated by medics at the scene and did not require evacuation to a hospital.

In a statement on Friday morning, the IDF said: "a short time ago IDF forces were attacked in A-Aram, south of Ramallah, by a number of Palestinians who threw rocks at cars and at close range. A vehicle was damaged but there no injuries."

"The commander, sensing mortal danger, left his vehicles and implemented standard procedures," it continued. "A Palestinian was wounded and evacuated to a hospital in Ramallah for medical treatment."

Describing the necessity to use lethal force, and IDF spokesperson told AFP that "the forces called the suspect to halt and shot warning shots in the air. Once he continued hurling rocks at close range and in response to the imminent danger the forces fired towards the suspect."

On Tuesday evening, a terrorist attempted to ram his car into the same Qalandiya Checkpoint, screaming "Allahu Akhbar" (Allah is greater).

IDF forces stopped him after he tried to charge toward them on foot, as well; he was shot and neutralized at the scene.

This is the latest attack in a wave of terror which has gripped Israel since the beginning of Ramadan last month.

Qalandiya is located to the northeast of Jerusalem, and a good portion of it falls within the municipal boundaries of the capital city. A security checkpoint separates between it and access to the central part of the city due to the security threat.